From the FIFA Peace Prize to Trump to short-term visas for Iranian players, the 2026 edition will be the biggest with 48 teams and 104 matches, but also very controversial. Nine Asian teams will take part, with two newcomers: Jordan and Uzbekistan. The hopes of a continent rest with South Korea and Japan. Despite billions invested in football, China failed to qualify.
The Israeli activist, a participant in the Gaza peace talks, slams the leadership of a “desperate” prime minister who, beyond the never-ending war, has “no successes to present on any front." The country, which will go to the polls in October, is at a “turning point”. The humanitarian situation in Gaza is still "terrible," while talks continue for a diplomatic solution.
The vicar of Arabia spoke to AsiaNews about the uncertainty and fragility caused by the war between Israel (and the United States) and Iran. In the migrant community, their presence is seen as short-term. Setting roots and a stable presence are hard to do. While the truce had given rise to the illusion of a possible return to "normalcy”, Bahrain and Kuwait have been hit again in recent days in new attacks.
The US president warns the parties to respect the ceasefire. Netanyahu fans the conflict and continues to attack Lebanon. Aoun wants to free the country from Iran’s intolerable hold. Addressing the Israelis, he asked them whether they are fed up with a war that has been going on since 1948.
Stories of children employed at checkpoints or in police work are emerging from various parts of the country. The regime fuels war propaganda by displaying weapons and equipment in schools. Some see this as a sign of the Islamic Republic's "economic collapse", while others view it as an attempt by the regime to pass on its ideology and propaganda to future generations.
In the last Christian village in the West Bank, provocations by Israeli settlers are increasing in intensity. For Father Bashar, the atmosphere is one "of fear and intimidation”. Residents appeal to the authorities and NGOs to intervene "urgently”. A parish report documents the attacks that occurred in May.
